The most obvious signs will probably be how you feel in the morning:

• Do you consistently feel tired in the morning? That's a sign that you're probably a pretty restless sleeper.
• Do you wake up stiff and sore? That's a sign that your spine is not kept in a relaxed position.
• Do you wake up with "pins and needles" in your arms or legs? That's a sign that your mattress causes pressure points that cause neurological distress because there is not enough padding.
• Do you wake up when your partner rolls over or gets up at night? That's a sign that you have a motion transfer problem.

There are also physical signs of the mattress like a sagging valley in the middle of the bed, or you feel like you're always "rolling towards the center." The bed may start feeling a bit "lumpy." Most of the time a bed is worn out inside before it is obvious on the outside. Springs and foams wear out and no longer "push back" hard enough to support your body. Connections inside the mattress that hold it together loosen up. The internal parts of a mattress noticeably start to deteriorate after seven to ten years of sleeping on it every night.

Two key words: comfort and support.

If you have the right balance of comfort and support to match your body type and how you sleep, a great night's sleep isn't far behind.

Do I need to purchase a new box spring or foundation?

Since mattresses and box springs are designed to work together, if one needs to be replaced chances are the other does, too. If possible, purchase your new mattress with the foundation that is designed to complement it.

What sizes do mattresses come in?

Mattresses come in various sizes. It's also possible to get custom sizing. The chart below can help you choose.

NOTE: sizing vary by +/- one half inch

There are thousands of places to buy beds--specialty stores, general retailers, factory outlets and the Internet. First and foremost, buy your mattress from a store you trust. Look for friendly, knowledgeable salespeople who listen, answer and ask good questions and gladly guide you through a broad selection of choices (rather than trying to sell you a specific product). Make sure you have an option to easily exchange it in case you make a mistake!

If you sleep with a partner, both of you should shop together if you can. Wear comfortable clothing. It's all about lying down in your normal sleeping position for a few minutes. Roll over, stretch out and relax. Do this with several mattresses and you'll quickly discover the models that feel the most comfortable. A Sleep Expert who knows all about the construction of each mattress can help you narrow down the choices and save you time.

How much is better health worth? Dr. James Maas (one of North America's foremost sleep experts) says that when it comes to good health, getting the right amount of truly restful sleep is even more important than diet and exercise. Aim for mattresses made of quality materials and construction. At Sleep America we have a huge selection of mattresses priced anywhere from $160 to $4000 which represents a wide choice in technology, sizes, and comfort.

It can take a few weeks to adjust to your new mattress, especially if it feels a lot different than your old one. Your new mattress probably has a bit more support than the old one it replaced. Your muscles will need time to adjust. But after the "adjustment period," if you're not enjoying significantly better sleep, you should exchange it. Our Sleep Experts are very good at helping you find the best mattress for you but trying a mattress and actually sleeping on one may not be the same. Please buy from a store that offers a comfort guarantee so you can easily exchange it.

Protecting your new mattress with a quality mattress pad is a smart move. Vacuuming is recommended to keep your surface clean. If you purchased a mattress protection plan, a cleaning kit is provided.